Google Sheets like Microsoft Excel offers many functions for calculations and tasks. While you can use symbols to perform mathematical comparisons, it may be beneficial to use the functions we’ll discuss instead.
Why Use Google Sheets’ Operator Functions
Comparison operation functions include things like greater than, less than, equal to, and the like. And if you use formulas in Google Sheets already, then you know you can use symbols for these operations. However, Google Sheets offers functions that do the same thing but you or a colleague might find more recognizable.
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For instance, maybe you share your sheet with others who aren’t as familiar with comparison operator symbols. Because the names of the functions represent their intent, others may find it easier to understand the formulas.
In addition, using these functions can improve the readability of your sheet. This is especially helpful if you make updates often and don’t want to take time to think about what the symbols mean. If you’re using the function, you’ll know at a glance.
One more benefit is that Google Sheets offers formula suggestions and assistance. As you type the function, you can get a little help from Sheets on completing the formula correctly. This isn’t something you’ll see when using comparison operator symbols.
Of course, you can continue to use the comparison operator symbols if they’re easier for you. But Google Sheets does provide these alternatives for those cases where they make more sense. Let’s take a look!
Comparison Operator Functions
Here are the functions that you can use to replace symbols when doing mathematical comparison in Google Sheets, along with one bonus function. We’ll explain each and provide some example uses.
- EQ: Performs an equal to comparison and is the same as=.
- NE: Performs a not equal to comparison and is the same as .
- GT: Performs a greater than comparison and is the same as>.
- GTE: Performs a greater than or equal to comparison and is the same as>=.
- LT: Performs a less than comparison and is the same as